Teaware

The shape of the teapot is a crucial factor in determining the capacity of a purple clay teapot. Some shapes are delicate and elegant, suitable for being made into medium or small size teapots, such as the West Lady, Horizontal Level, and Siting Pavilion shapes, etc. If they were forcibly made into large or super-large sizes, would they retain their charm? Some shapes are majestic and imposing, suitable for being made into large or super-large size teapots, such as the Han Dynasty Square, Quadrangular Jade Seal, and Han Dynasty Roof Tile shapes, etc. If they were forcibly made into small teapots, would they still exude their presence? It is precisely because of this inherent quality that we can see millions of different shapes, each with its unique characteristics. Those who love purple clay teapots will certainly encounter this problem: having acquired large, medium, and small teapots, how should one pair and use large and small teapots in daily life to ensure they are all used equally? Small teapots are convenient to carry and can be taken on business trips in your bag. They can be brought to tea houses for morning tea, hidden in office drawers for a quick tea…

Liking tea often means buying a purple clay teapot. I remember when Xiao Yue bought her first purple clay teapot, she cherished it so much that she opened it carefully and even bought a special water bath cooker just for its inauguration. She slowly boiled water in it for hours, taking great care of it, all the while thinking to herself: It’s you from now on! However, who would have thought that soon after, I found a new favorite. Using a purple clay teapot does indeed require some attention to detail, such as the method of cleaning it. One cannot blindly be “diligent” but must know the right approach to maintain the teapot properly. When cleaning your purple clay teapot, first observe if there is any oil, wax, or other dirt on the surface. If so, it needs to be cleaned promptly. Purple clay has the advantage of good breathability, and if oil stains adhere to it, the pores will become clogged. Moreover, neglecting to clean your teapot can lead to the accumulation of tea scale inside and oily dirt on the surface over time. This not only affects its appearance but also creates unsanitary conditions that can impact our…

The Southern Song Dynasty: Zhou Jichang, Lin Tinggui, et al., “Arhats Drinking Tea” Have you watched the recent hit Song Dynasty drama, "Dream of the Red Chamber"? Actress Liu Yifei plays the lead character Zhao Pan'er, who is the owner of Zhao's Teahouse and stuns viewers with her fluid tea preparation skills in her first appearance. From a tea enthusiast's perspective, the most captivating aspect of "Dream of the Red Chamber" is its portrayal of "tea culture," filled with ancient charm and texture, with tea utensils and tea-making techniques largely true to Song Dynasty style. Let’s now appreciate the exquisite saucers used by ancient people for drinking tea. In the Song Dynasty, tea was prepared by "beating and stirring" using a tea whisk to stir and strike the tea broth; saucers were designed to prevent scalding hands. Southern Song to Yuan Dynasty: Gilt Silver Flower and Bird Patterned Tea Saucer and Saucer – The Metropolitan Museum of Art, USA Collection Ruyao Porcelain Northern Song Dynasty: Ruyao Sky Blue Glazed Paulownia Petal Shaped Saucer – British Museum Collection Guan Porcelain Song Dynasty: Guan Porcelain Celadon Saucer – Palace Museum Southern Song Dynasty Guan Porcelain Saucer - Excavated from the Southern Song…

Some cities are rather awkward, being very cold in winter but not located in areas with central heating. Recently, temperatures have dropped significantly across most of the country, and this sudden temperature change can be detrimental to pots. Winter is a high-risk season for damage to purple clay pots. When using and drinking tea from your pot during the winter, please pay attention to the following points! The situations that usually lead to cracking are as follows: 1. Special clays and pot shapes: In purple clay pots, special attention should be paid to clays with high crystallinity and unevenly walled shapes (such as Gong Chun pots). Crystallinity, or the degree of vitrification during firing, is an inherent property of the clay, and different clays achieve varying degrees of crystallization when fired. Among purple clays, Zhu Ni has a higher crystallinity, followed by Zi Ni, then Lu Ni and Duan Ni. Clays such as Zhu Ni and Da Hong Pao in red clay pots have a high natural crystallinity after firing, resulting in a glassy surface. As a result, they are more prone to cracking than other clays when subjected to sudden changes in temperature during use. 2. The pot itself…

The selection of tea utensils should take into account three factors: the occasion, the number of participants, and the type of tea. High-quality tea utensils paired with premium teas complement each other, enhancing the enjoyment of tea tasting. For example, for high-grade green tea, a clear glass cup without patterns or colors is recommended, as it not only suits the temperature needed for brewing green tea but also allows one to appreciate the color of the tea and the transformation of the leaves. For oolong tea, an elegant and rustic purple clay pot is ideal; for flower-scented tea, a lidded teacup that can retain fragrance and warmth is suitable. The choice of tea utensils also depends on the quality of the tea. For instance, for mid-range green tea with ordinary appearance, a porcelain pot would be chosen for brewing. The brewing utensils must be clean and intact, and when choosing them, attention should be paid to the coordination of colors, materials, and the harmony of the entire set of tea utensils. The arrangement of tea utensils should be logical, practical, and aesthetically pleasing, paying attention to the sense of hierarchy and the variation in lines. When setting up the utensils,…

Tea can be boiled, savored, drunk, or poured. The various actions associated with tea reflect the myriad facets of human life. It is said that a Japanese scholar approached Lin Qingxuan to seek his insights into China's profound tea culture, only to find him idly seated in a recliner, holding a delicate small pot and sipping directly from it, without using a cup, in an unboundedly relaxed manner. The scholar was surprised. Could it be done this way? Unfortunately, Lin Qingxuan did not tell him that there is a way of tea but no rigid rules. As long as the tea is willing and I am willing, what else is there that cannot be done? "Sipping alone," in my view, is the ultimate enjoyment of drinking tea. With flower shadows at the door and a cool breeze under the veranda, holding a pot of fine tea, pouring all kinds of emotions into one's heart. Cherishing oneself, drinking alone, and opening one's heart freely, without joy, without restraint, without hindrance—this is how a true scholar drinks. Drinking tea, in the end, is something that brings pleasure to oneself. From the same pot of tea, Buddhists see Zen, Daoists see qi, Confucians…

In the realm of purple clay teapots, we can categorize them into three types: plain-naked teapots, scholar-engraved teapots, and imperial teapots. The first category includes round, square, and ribbed teapots, which have a plain and naked body without any embellishments. They rely solely on the lines and shapes to convey their aura. ▲Wall-Raised Teapot Made by Jingzhou Designed and crafted based on the concept of jade walls, this teapot is flat and cylindrical in shape, with a gentle yet firm appearance that is harmonious and well-proportioned. The handle's rhythm of solidity and void is coordinated, and the overall shape is dignified and correct. The simplest points, lines, and surfaces are used to express the natural charm of plain purple clay teapots. ▲Monk’s Hat Teapot Made by Jingzhou The teapot features richly varied lines and appropriate proportions, especially with the tightening cloud-shoulder line at the neck and shoulder, enhancing the teapot's rhythm. The lotus petals’ proportion and opening angle give an impression of blooming lotuses. The size and thickness of the spout and handle are well-proportioned with the overall shape, while the cover’s layers are neatly raised, perfectly supporting the flower-shaped knob, making it appear dignified and restrained, finely crafted. ▲Precious…

Compared to the traditional and standardized British ceramic tea sets, Chinese tea sets are more diverse in style and have a longer history. Today, let me introduce you to Chinese tea sets. Gaiwan In simple terms, a gaiwan is a teapot without a spout. It is said that the gaiwan originated in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The gaiwan consists of three parts: a saucer, a bowl, and a lid. The lid represents heaven, the saucer represents earth, and the bowl represents man, symbolizing harmony between heaven, earth, and man. Gaiwans are typically made of porcelain because it can absorb heat and make them easy to handle. Gaiwans are usually small, with capacities ranging from 100-180ml. The advantage of a gaiwan is that even without a spout, the lid can be used to hold back the tea leaves. After brewing, the lid is slightly opened, allowing the tea liquor to be poured out while the leaves remain in the bowl. Typically, after brewing in a gaiwan, the tea is transferred to another pot to balance the concentration of the liquor. Purple Clay Teapot A Yixing purple clay teapot is made from the special purple clay found in Yixing, Jiangsu Province. Its…

After acquiring a new purple clay teapot, should you prepare it for use? The answer is yes. No matter the value of the purple clay teapot, before its first use, preparation is necessary. Preparing the teapot helps to remove the earthy and kiln odors and effectively opens up the pores, allowing the teapot to develop a more perfect patina after use. However, the methods for preparing a teapot that circulate in the community are varied. Some say you should boil it in water, others suggest steaming it over water, and there are even those who recommend boiling it with apples, tofu, or sugarcane... This can be confusing. Many teapot enthusiasts ask whether they should boil their teapots. Here, we do not recommend boiling your teapot, as it is unnecessary and may even damage the teapot. Why should you not boil the teapot? 1. Easy to Contaminate with Grease Even if the pot is frequently cleaned, there will inevitably be grease and impurities left behind. Placing the purple clay teapot in the pot to boil may contaminate it with grease, affecting the formation of the surface luster. 2. Risk of Cracking from Impact When boiling the teapot, it must be placed…

First Stage: Learning and UnderstandingI believe this is a phase that every teapot enthusiast has gone through. All the teapots look great (depending on personal preferences, some prefer square-shaped pots, some like flower-adorned ones, some favor plain ones, and others like those with engravings). During this period, one tends to acquire teapots they like regardless of others' opinions. Due to individual economic differences, these pots can range from tens to thousands in price. Regardless of their cost, the best tea at home is used to honor them, sometimes even becoming an object of constant affection.If a friend says they're not good, one might argue vehemently. If the friend is inexperienced or cannot provide convincing reasons, there will be no regrets about one's choices, and this phase may last longer, with a period of self-indulgence in admiration.If the friend is knowledgeable, one will ponder their words after a debate. To prove who is right, one will read many relevant books and materials, and in doing so, the second stage begins!Of course, some people will immediately look up related information after buying a pot because the names of the styles—like "ancient imitation," "ball stack," "stone ladle," etc.—prompt a desire to know exactly…

Lin Yutang said, “Wherever they are, Chinese people are happy as long as they have a cup of tea.” Tea culture in our country has a history of thousands of years. From ancient times to the present, Chinese people have had the habit of drinking tea. During the Tang and Song dynasties, tea tasting became one of the most popular activities. The vessel is the father of tea. Good utensils can maximize the quality of tea and also influence the mood of the tea taster. Elegance and beauty should be the pursuit of every tea enthusiast. So, dear tea enthusiasts, do you know the intricacies of tea ware? What should tea novices pay attention to when choosing tea ware? 01 Porcelain Porcelain is the most common and widely inclusive material we use daily. Because porcelain is tightly compacted, it treats the flavor of tea impartially without affecting its natural aroma or taste. It can basically be used for brewing various types of tea. Porcelain is characterized by being "as white as jade, as clear as a mirror, as resonant as a chime, and as thin as paper." Its surface should be smooth and clean, and when illuminated by light, it…

Understanding, selecting, collecting, and investing in purple clay teapots begins with attention to detail. The first is form, which refers to the shape of the teapot. This stems from a deep familiarity with design and relies on meticulous planning. One must clearly define the major "planes" of the pot, primarily the body. Each part of the pot—the spout, handle, rim, base, foot, lid, and knob—should have a clear orientation. From points and lines to planes, one must trace the origins and endings of lines, manage transitions, highlight contrasts between light and shadow, and balance solid and void spaces. Only then can one achieve depth in form. Once points, lines, and planes are well-handled, the work—its form—comes to life. The second is spirit, referring to the teapot's demeanor or the mood it conveys through its form. When creating, one should not merely explore flat surfaces but consider undulations and curves. All life springs from a central point, expanding outward, sprouting, and blossoming. Imagine the form (teapot) engaging with you, reaching out, speaking to you, expressing itself. This form embodies a powerful internal impulse. Such artwork possesses life and spirit. The third is qi, referring to the teapot's character or the inherent…

Yixing Zi Sha is an art form with a long history and rich appeal. The decorative arts have been developed through the research and creation of Zi Sha artisans over time. Different decorative arts have different effects when applied to different themes. This method of aligning decoration with the subject, the teapot, and the intention adds a cultural dimension to the Zi Sha teapot. The development of Zi Sha art has led to various decorative techniques, which are detailed as follows: Engraving: This is one of the main decorative techniques of Zi Sha. It uses a knife instead of a brush and engraving instead of painting, integrating poetry, calligraphy, painting, and engraving into a harmonious whole, with a strong national style and regional characteristics. Known as "Man Sheng Hu", "characters are passed down along with the teapot, and the teapot becomes valuable because of the characters," it made a historical contribution to the art of Zi Sha engraving. After the Qing Dynasty, Zi Sha engraving decoration became a specialized production process. The subjects and forms are extremely varied. Landscapes, flowers and birds, figures, and ancient patterns are all potential subjects for painting, while calligraphy is an indispensable decorative element. Regular…

One cannot drink tea without tea ware, which refers to the specialized utensils used for brewing and drinking tea leaves, including pots, bowls, cups, trays, and saucers. The ancient Chinese were very particular about the artistry of their tea ware, which is another significant aspect of their tea-drinking culture. A set of exquisite tea ware paired with a fine tea that excels in color, fragrance, and taste can truly complement each other. As the custom of drinking tea grew in popularity and evolved over time, the variety of tea ware increased and the quality became more refined. At least ten types of tea ware are required for drinking Kung Fu tea. They are: First: Tea Pot In Chaozhou dialect, it is called "Chongguan," or sometimes "Su Guan," because it originates from Yixing, Jiangsu province, where the smallest type of Yixing clay pot is made. When selecting a tea pot, there are four criteria to consider: smallness, shallowness, evenness, and age. Tea pots come in various sizes, such as those suitable for two, three, four, or more people. Pots made by famous artisans like Mengchen, Tiehuaxuan, Qiupu, Epu, Xiaoshan, and Yuan Xisheng are highly prized. There are many shapes and sizes,…

In Chinese tea culture, good tea and water are not enough; the utensils must also be appropriate. In his classic work, "The Classic of Tea," Lu Yu of the Tang Dynasty lists no fewer than twenty-four different tea utensils: the wind stove, bamboo basket, charcoal hammer, fire poker, kettle, stand, paper bag, grinder, sifter, measure, water container, strainer, ladle, bamboo whisk, salt dish, warmed bowl, cup, scoop, tongs, washing bowl, residue bowl, cloth, utensil tray, and basket. According to the classification in "The Classic of Tea," these utensils were used for various tasks such as firing, brewing, roasting, grinding, measuring, serving, fetching water, storing water, filtering water, storing salt, taking salt, and drinking tea. In ancient China, "tea utensils" and "tea tools" were distinct terms with different uses and scopes. "Tea tools" referred to implements used for tea picking, steaming, shaping, drying, sealing, and counting, which have little to do with what we now call "tea utensils." Even the "twenty-four tea utensils" mentioned in "The Classic of Tea" only partly align with the modern definition of tea utensils. It has been said that "water is the mother of tea, and utensils are its father." Since ancient times, Chinese people have…

The method of initiating a new teapot, known since ancient times, has generated many different approaches. Suggestions range from boiling the pot with tofu, sugarcane, or tea, to simply using water, and even adding banana peels—everything but adding monosodium glutamate (MSG) and soy sauce! Various enthusiasts have imitated these methods, enjoying the process of initiating their teapots. The initiation is an indispensable procedure. So, how should one correctly initiate a new purple clay teapot? This article will reveal the answer. A freshly made purple clay teapot, having gone through the kiln's fiery test, is covered in dust, looking coarse and dull, but after prolonged use, it reveals a warm and lustrous appearance. Upon receiving a new teapot, one should not immediately start brewing tea, as some cleaning and preparation are usually required before first use, this process is known as "initiating" the teapot. Initiation Steps Cleaning Clean both the inside and outside of the teapot, wipe away any dust and impurities with a soft tea cloth. Warming the Pot Rinse the teapot with warm water, then fill it with boiling water and pour more boiling water over the exterior of the pot. This step both warms and awakens the teapot.…

When the purple clay teapot body has been formed and still has a certain degree of moisture, finely ground, raw or fired, differently colored purple clay particles are laid or scattered on the wet body surface. Then, using tools, these particles are pressed into the surface layer of the body. This process is called the "laying sand decoration" of a purple clay teapot. Laying sand only affects the surface of the teapot and primarily serves as an embellishment to create a striking contrast between the sand points and the color of the body after firing. It does not increase the strength of the body, alter its shrinkage rate, reduce deformation, or improve the success rate of finished products. The quality of the purple clay used for laying sand is generally higher than or equal to that of the clay used for the body. If it is too soft, it can cause "dragging tails" during production and, due to greater shrinkage upon firing, may not integrate well with the body material.

When everyone first starts playing with purple clay teapots, they know nothing about the colorful varieties of purple clay. Then they gradually learn about types like purple clay, duan clay, red clay, and so on. At first, they think they've become proficient, but then they discover names like purple eggplant clay, old purple clay, red skin dragon, black star soil, golden duan, and more... which leaves them even more confused. I dare say that most enthusiasts are still at this stage: constantly exploring and collecting an endless variety of purple clay types. However, if you continue to delve deeper, you'll find that all the different types of clay are just derivatives or coexisting clays of the initial few types. They're only given different names due to differences in the color of the ore, the location of the mine, and the final color of the finished product. 1. Purple clay includes types like bottom groove clear (Dicaoqing) and old purple clay. The color range primarily spans from brownish yellow, brownish red, to chocolate colors. When assessing whether it's good quality material, pay attention to the particles. Personally, I believe that relatively correct purple clay materials will usually have a grainy feel,…

Chinese people enjoy sipping tea, with the tea culture being passed down for thousands of years. The main components of tea culture include the evaluation techniques of tea leaves, artistic operation methods, appreciation of the tea-drinking environment, etc. The entire process of tea drinking is imbued with a beautiful ambiance, and in this overall process, tea utensils, as the foundation, are indispensable. Alongside the millennial development history of tea culture, the evolution of tea utensils can be said to be a beautiful landscape in its own right. The Tang Dynasty was the first peak in the history of ceramic development in China, and the flourishing of tea drinking at this time also spurred the development of tea utensils. During this period, tea utensils had a broader field for development. Archaeological excavations at kiln sites prove that, in addition to kilns such as Yue Kiln, Ding Kiln, Wuzhou Kiln, Yuezhou Kiln, Shouzhou Kiln, and Hongzhou Kiln, Northern kilns like Xing Kiln, Quyang Kiln, Gongxian Kiln, and Southern kilns like Jingdezhen Kiln, Changsha Kiln, and Qionglai Kiln were also producing tea utensils in large quantities at the time. This sufficiently demonstrates the close integration of ancient Chinese ceramic culture with traditional tea…

China is one of the world's major producers and consumers of tea. On our vast land, there are six distinct types of tea and nearly a thousand different varieties. The naming methods vary across these diverse categories. Various and distinctive naming methods are hallmarks of Chinese culture. Below, we will briefly explore some of the naming methods used for well-known Chinese tea varieties. 1. Naming based on the scenic mountains and rivers of their origin is common among the teas we drink. Examples include "West Lake Dragon Well" from Hangzhou, Zhejiang; "Yuhua Tea" from Nanjing, Jiangsu; "Putuo Buddha Tea" from Mount Putuo; "Huangshan Maofeng" from She County, Anhui; "Maoshan Qingfeng" from Jintan, Jiangsu; "Shennong Qifeng" from Hubei; "Jinggang Cuiru" and "Lingyan Jianfeng" from Jiangxi; "Tianshe Qifeng"; "Cangshan Xuegreen" from Yunnan; "Helin Immortal Tea" from Sichuan; and others. 2. Naming based on the shape of the tea leaves is also common. For example, "Melon Seed Tea" from Lu'an, Anhui, which resembles melon seeds; "Sparrow Tongue" from Hangzhou, shaped like a sparrow's tongue; "Pearl Tea" from Shengxian, Zhejiang, shaped like pearls; "Eyebrow Tea" or "Slim Eyebrow Tea" from Zhejiang, Anhui, and Jiangxi, resembling eyebrows; "Purple Bamboo Shoots" from Changxing, Zhejiang, shaped like…

Duan ni is a type of purple clay. A teapot made from duan ni is called a duan ni purple clay teapot. Duan ni can be basically divided into three types: original mine duan ni, old duan ni, and blended duan ni. Old duan ni is original mine duan ni that has undergone a certain period of aging. Golden duan and sesame duan are blended duan nis, such as sesame duan which is made by blending purple clay particles into Ben Shan green clay. Blended clay is primarily used to highlight the texture of the clay, and in recent years, many enthusiasts have come to appreciate it. The key lies in how well the blending is executed, and whether one likes it or not depends on personal aesthetic preferences. Duan ni purple clay teapots have some distinctive characteristics compared to other types of teapots. A characteristic of high-quality duan ni purple clay teapots is that the purple clay particles are not very noticeable. In Ben Shan green clay, they seem to only serve the purpose of altering its color. There are layers, like jade. Duan ni cannot be fired to achieve the pure Ben Shan green color; when fired, Ben…

Metal utensils are among the oldest in China, made from materials such as gold, silver, copper, iron, and tin. Before Qin Shi Huang unified China, bronze vessels were already widely used, both for alcohol and for holding tea or water. As tea became a beverage, tea ware gradually separated from other types of utensils. Around the Northern and Southern Dynasties, China saw the emergence of silver and gold tea ware. During the Sui and Tang dynasties, the production of silver and gold utensils reached its peak. From the Song Dynasty onwards, opinions on metal tea ware were mixed. After the Yuan Dynasty, especially starting from the Ming Dynasty, with innovations in tea varieties, changes in tea-drinking methods, and the rise of ceramic tea ware, metal tea ware, including those made of silver, gradually disappeared. Particularly, tea ware made of tin, iron, and lead was believed to alter the taste of tea, leading to their rare usage. Silver and gold tea ware can be classified by material: those made of silver are called silver tea ware, while those made of gold are called gold tea ware. Silverware decorated with gold foil or gilded is referred to as gilded tea ware. Due…

The purple clay teapot is made from clay derived from minerals. In theory, it can be used indefinitely as long as it doesn't break. However, in reality, this isn't always the case. If a teapot is well maintained, it will remain fresh over time. But if during use, its inherent nature as a purple clay teapot is lost, even if the body of the pot remains intact, it loses its significance as a purple clay teapot. To ensure longevity for your purple clay teapot, the key lies in doing these things correctly.1Initiating the TeapotUse the right method to initiate the teapot and preserve the sandy properties of the purple clay. Popular online methods such as the "apple initiation method" or the "sugarcane initiation method" can have the opposite effect and damage the teapot's breathability. 2Knocking and BumpingWhen using a purple clay teapot, handle it gently. Sometimes, a slight knock may not be immediately visible but could cause cracks during later use. Since purple clay teapots are fragile, if you have children or pets at home, make sure they are out of reach.3AdsorptionPurple clay teapots enhance the aroma of tea due to their porous structure. This porosity also makes them prone…

Drinking Pu'er tea is best with porcelain cups, purple clay cups, glass cups, etc. Pu'er tea can be divided into raw and ripe teas based on its processing method. Raw tea has a stronger character and ample qi, with noticeable salivation and a sweet aftertaste. Ripe tea is mellow and smooth, with rich inner qualities. Using different types of cups—such as glass or porcelain cups—can authentically reproduce the tea's aroma, while purple clay cups can enhance the depth of the tea's flavor. Suitable Cups for Drinking Pu'er Tea Tasting Cup: As the name suggests, a tasting cup is used for savoring tea. In the eyes of many tea enthusiasts, the tasting cup is an essential piece of teaware that showcases one’s personal taste. Tasting cups come in various shapes and materials. When choosing a tasting cup, always adhere to the principle that it should not be hot to the touch and should be easy to drink from, selecting a cup that matches both the tea leaves and the teapot. Gaiwan: A gaiwan is a type of teaware consisting of a saucer, a bowl, and a lid, also known as a "three-talent bowl" or "three-talent cup." It can be made from…